Renewables/DERs

Renewables (e.g., Solar, Wind) and Distributed Energy Resources (e.g., Solar PV, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Storage, back generators) are physical and virtual assets that are deployed across the distribution grid, typically close to load, which can be used individually or in aggregate to provide value to the grid, individual customers, or both.

We conduct engineering and economic studies for grid-connected power projects based on installation, operating costs, and system design parameters. These projects can be either on the customer side of the utility meter, buying and selling electricity at retail rates, or on the utility side of the meter, selling electricity at a price negotiated through a power purchase agreement (PPA). Engineering and economic studies include:

Solar PV System

Solar PV-plus-Battery Storage System

Solar Water Heating System for Residential or Commercial Applications

Wind Power System (large and small)

Biomass Power System

Hybrid Optimization System (a mix of solar PV, battery storage, back up generator, and CHP resources)

We calculate financial metrics based on a project’s cash flows over an analysis period that you specify. The financial model uses the system’s electrical output calculated by the performance model to calculate the series of annual cash flows. We conduct financial analyses for:

Hybrid Optimization modeling is a robust and powerful way to determine the best mix of resources including the value of behind-the-meter, solar-plus-storage and distributed generation systems for the least-cost solution to reduce energy consumption and demand charges.

If you have a time of use (TOU) rate structure, you can maximize the benefit of your system.

A solar PV system or a solar PV-plus-battery system has several advantages: lower electric bills, reduce carbon emissions, take advantage of tax credits, provide energy security, and sell excess of electricity if you have net metering law. A solar PV-plus-battery system can reduce demand and energy consumption charges by 30%-70%, according to the study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Berkeley Laboratory.

The power industry is into a period of transformation and profound change driving by Technological change, competitive forces and chancing customer expectations. Regulatory changes are needed for utilities to meet evolving market and customer expectations.